IN MEMORIAM,
Francis J. "Frank" Roche, 82, of Plainville, former Chief of Police, and devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, January 7, 2014.
Born on December 11, 1931, he was one of six sons to the late Cyril and Anne (O'Reagan) Roche.
Raised in Bristol, he attended St. Joseph School, and as a teenager, enlisted in the U.S. Army. He proudly served his country for four years during the Korean War, earning his high school diploma upon being discharged in 1952.
Following his time in the service, he became a professional boxer with an impressive record, competing at the Bristol Arena, and earning the Boxer of the Year title.
Frank married the love of his life, Mary (Casorio) in 1955, settling in Plainville where they raised their three children.
He began his career at the Plainville Police Department shortly after, serving his community for 37 years. He graduated from the FBI National Academy in 1974, was promoted to Chief in 1975, and was a well liked and respected community leader for 20 years, retiring in 1995.
Frank served on the Executive committee for the Police Chiefs Association, and was former President of the P.A.C., among many other civic organizations both local and statewide.
An outdoors enthusiast, he enjoyed jogging, playing golf, going fishing, and very much looked forward to his annual hunting trip to Maine with the "Wide Load Association", and his daily games of cards with his close circle of friends. He leaves a lasting impact on the many lives he touched, and will forever be remembered and missed.
In addition to his wife, Mary, he leaves his children, Donald and his wife, Karen of Haddam, Francis, Jr of Plainville and Lisa Membrino of Bristol; his brothers, George, Kenny, Warren, and Martin, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Gene.
Funeral services in celebration of Frank's life will be held on Saturday at 9 a.m. from Bailey Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church. Committal services with Military Honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.
Family and friends may gather on Friday evening from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, Frank may be remembered with contributions to St. Joseph School, 335 Center St., Bristol, CT 06010.
Hartford Courant article on Chief Roche,
His youthful days as a winning professional boxer shaped Francis Roche into the strict and fair man he was during his 37 years as a town police officer, and eventually police chief from 1975 to 1995.
Roche, who died Tuesday at age 82, was recalled as a strong leader and a no-nonsense guy with strong senses of honor, humor and compassion.
Charles "Chick" Smedick,, a recently retired officer whose first 13 years on the force came when Roche was chief, said Thursday that Roche was "a great guy, a good boss. Strict, but fair. He was well respected by chiefs throughout the state."
Roche, who moved to Plainville after serving in Korea, was proud of his early career as a boxer. He competed in the Bristol Arena, in his hometown, and hung photographs in his office showing him as a young boxer, Smedick said.
Earle Jackson Sr. a neighbor of Roche, said in a note that he and other boys in the neighborhood respected Roche, who taught younger boys boxing in a homemade ring in his backyard.
"Have to admit that it took the wind from my chest when I first read [of Roche's death] because Frank was bigger than life to me as a 12 year old kid from the neighborhood," Jackson wrote. "Frank taught me how to box in the ring that I watched him build behind his house on Washington Street. The youth of my time in Plainville had great respect and love for Frank Roche, and many of us stayed on the right path because of him."
Capt. Brian Mullins, second in command in the Plainville Police Department, joined the force in 1978 when Roche was chief. He said Roche was a good leader, setting standards by example.
"He was strict but never rude or a bully. He did not want officers to act like doormats, but he was very clear on letting us know he expected us to treat the public well," Mullins said. " His view was the police work was not just a job, but was special. You served the public."
Matthew Catania, the current chief of the department, said he never met Roche but has heard only good things about him. Catania said the high standards Roche set still guide the department, often because the views are reflected in departmental policy written by Roche.
"From what I gather, he was very strong minded and had a very strong work ethic, which he expected the officers to embrace," said Catania, who was a career officer in Simsbury when he was hired in 2010 to lead the Plainville force. "I sensed this for example in our sick time policies which he wrote. It is very clear he expected people not to abuse sick time but do their job."
Francis J. "Frank" Roche, 82, of Plainville, former Chief of Police, and devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, January 7, 2014.
Born on December 11, 1931, he was one of six sons to the late Cyril and Anne (O'Reagan) Roche.
Raised in Bristol, he attended St. Joseph School, and as a teenager, enlisted in the U.S. Army. He proudly served his country for four years during the Korean War, earning his high school diploma upon being discharged in 1952.
Following his time in the service, he became a professional boxer with an impressive record, competing at the Bristol Arena, and earning the Boxer of the Year title.
Frank married the love of his life, Mary (Casorio) in 1955, settling in Plainville where they raised their three children.
He began his career at the Plainville Police Department shortly after, serving his community for 37 years. He graduated from the FBI National Academy in 1974, was promoted to Chief in 1975, and was a well liked and respected community leader for 20 years, retiring in 1995.
Frank served on the Executive committee for the Police Chiefs Association, and was former President of the P.A.C., among many other civic organizations both local and statewide.
An outdoors enthusiast, he enjoyed jogging, playing golf, going fishing, and very much looked forward to his annual hunting trip to Maine with the "Wide Load Association", and his daily games of cards with his close circle of friends. He leaves a lasting impact on the many lives he touched, and will forever be remembered and missed.
In addition to his wife, Mary, he leaves his children, Donald and his wife, Karen of Haddam, Francis, Jr of Plainville and Lisa Membrino of Bristol; his brothers, George, Kenny, Warren, and Martin, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Gene.
Funeral services in celebration of Frank's life will be held on Saturday at 9 a.m. from Bailey Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church. Committal services with Military Honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.
Family and friends may gather on Friday evening from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, Frank may be remembered with contributions to St. Joseph School, 335 Center St., Bristol, CT 06010.
Hartford Courant article on Chief Roche,
His youthful days as a winning professional boxer shaped Francis Roche into the strict and fair man he was during his 37 years as a town police officer, and eventually police chief from 1975 to 1995.
Roche, who died Tuesday at age 82, was recalled as a strong leader and a no-nonsense guy with strong senses of honor, humor and compassion.
Charles "Chick" Smedick,, a recently retired officer whose first 13 years on the force came when Roche was chief, said Thursday that Roche was "a great guy, a good boss. Strict, but fair. He was well respected by chiefs throughout the state."
Roche, who moved to Plainville after serving in Korea, was proud of his early career as a boxer. He competed in the Bristol Arena, in his hometown, and hung photographs in his office showing him as a young boxer, Smedick said.
Earle Jackson Sr. a neighbor of Roche, said in a note that he and other boys in the neighborhood respected Roche, who taught younger boys boxing in a homemade ring in his backyard.
"Have to admit that it took the wind from my chest when I first read [of Roche's death] because Frank was bigger than life to me as a 12 year old kid from the neighborhood," Jackson wrote. "Frank taught me how to box in the ring that I watched him build behind his house on Washington Street. The youth of my time in Plainville had great respect and love for Frank Roche, and many of us stayed on the right path because of him."
Capt. Brian Mullins, second in command in the Plainville Police Department, joined the force in 1978 when Roche was chief. He said Roche was a good leader, setting standards by example.
"He was strict but never rude or a bully. He did not want officers to act like doormats, but he was very clear on letting us know he expected us to treat the public well," Mullins said. " His view was the police work was not just a job, but was special. You served the public."
Matthew Catania, the current chief of the department, said he never met Roche but has heard only good things about him. Catania said the high standards Roche set still guide the department, often because the views are reflected in departmental policy written by Roche.
"From what I gather, he was very strong minded and had a very strong work ethic, which he expected the officers to embrace," said Catania, who was a career officer in Simsbury when he was hired in 2010 to lead the Plainville force. "I sensed this for example in our sick time policies which he wrote. It is very clear he expected people not to abuse sick time but do their job."
IN MEMORIAM,
Francis J. "Frank" Roche, 82, of Plainville, former Chief of Police, and devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, January 7, 2014.
Born on December 11, 1931, he was one of six sons to the late Cyril and Anne (O'Reagan) Roche.
Raised in Bristol, he attended St. Joseph School, and as a teenager, enlisted in the U.S. Army. He proudly served his country for four years during the Korean War, earning his high school diploma upon being discharged in 1952.
Following his time in the service, he became a professional boxer with an impressive record, competing at the Bristol Arena, and earning the Boxer of the Year title.
Frank married the love of his life, Mary (Casorio) in 1955, settling in Plainville where they raised their three children.
He began his career at the Plainville Police Department shortly after, serving his community for 37 years. He graduated from the FBI National Academy in 1974, was promoted to Chief in 1975, and was a well liked and respected community leader for 20 years, retiring in 1995.
Frank served on the Executive committee for the Police Chiefs Association, and was former President of the P.A.C., among many other civic organizations both local and statewide.
An outdoors enthusiast, he enjoyed jogging, playing golf, going fishing, and very much looked forward to his annual hunting trip to Maine with the "Wide Load Association", and his daily games of cards with his close circle of friends. He leaves a lasting impact on the many lives he touched, and will forever be remembered and missed.
In addition to his wife, Mary, he leaves his children, Donald and his wife, Karen of Haddam, Francis, Jr of Plainville and Lisa Membrino of Bristol; his brothers, George, Kenny, Warren, and Martin, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Gene.
Funeral services in celebration of Frank's life will be held on Saturday at 9 a.m. from Bailey Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church. Committal services with Military Honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.
Family and friends may gather on Friday evening from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, Frank may be remembered with contributions to St. Joseph School, 335 Center St., Bristol, CT 06010.
Hartford Courant article on Chief Roche,
His youthful days as a winning professional boxer shaped Francis Roche into the strict and fair man he was during his 37 years as a town police officer, and eventually police chief from 1975 to 1995.
Roche, who died Tuesday at age 82, was recalled as a strong leader and a no-nonsense guy with strong senses of honor, humor and compassion.
Charles "Chick" Smedick,, a recently retired officer whose first 13 years on the force came when Roche was chief, said Thursday that Roche was "a great guy, a good boss. Strict, but fair. He was well respected by chiefs throughout the state."
Roche, who moved to Plainville after serving in Korea, was proud of his early career as a boxer. He competed in the Bristol Arena, in his hometown, and hung photographs in his office showing him as a young boxer, Smedick said.
Earle Jackson Sr. a neighbor of Roche, said in a note that he and other boys in the neighborhood respected Roche, who taught younger boys boxing in a homemade ring in his backyard.
"Have to admit that it took the wind from my chest when I first read [of Roche's death] because Frank was bigger than life to me as a 12 year old kid from the neighborhood," Jackson wrote. "Frank taught me how to box in the ring that I watched him build behind his house on Washington Street. The youth of my time in Plainville had great respect and love for Frank Roche, and many of us stayed on the right path because of him."
Capt. Brian Mullins, second in command in the Plainville Police Department, joined the force in 1978 when Roche was chief. He said Roche was a good leader, setting standards by example.
"He was strict but never rude or a bully. He did not want officers to act like doormats, but he was very clear on letting us know he expected us to treat the public well," Mullins said. " His view was the police work was not just a job, but was special. You served the public."
Matthew Catania, the current chief of the department, said he never met Roche but has heard only good things about him. Catania said the high standards Roche set still guide the department, often because the views are reflected in departmental policy written by Roche.
"From what I gather, he was very strong minded and had a very strong work ethic, which he expected the officers to embrace," said Catania, who was a career officer in Simsbury when he was hired in 2010 to lead the Plainville force. "I sensed this for example in our sick time policies which he wrote. It is very clear he expected people not to abuse sick time but do their job."
Francis J. "Frank" Roche, 82, of Plainville, former Chief of Police, and devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, January 7, 2014.
Born on December 11, 1931, he was one of six sons to the late Cyril and Anne (O'Reagan) Roche.
Raised in Bristol, he attended St. Joseph School, and as a teenager, enlisted in the U.S. Army. He proudly served his country for four years during the Korean War, earning his high school diploma upon being discharged in 1952.
Following his time in the service, he became a professional boxer with an impressive record, competing at the Bristol Arena, and earning the Boxer of the Year title.
Frank married the love of his life, Mary (Casorio) in 1955, settling in Plainville where they raised their three children.
He began his career at the Plainville Police Department shortly after, serving his community for 37 years. He graduated from the FBI National Academy in 1974, was promoted to Chief in 1975, and was a well liked and respected community leader for 20 years, retiring in 1995.
Frank served on the Executive committee for the Police Chiefs Association, and was former President of the P.A.C., among many other civic organizations both local and statewide.
An outdoors enthusiast, he enjoyed jogging, playing golf, going fishing, and very much looked forward to his annual hunting trip to Maine with the "Wide Load Association", and his daily games of cards with his close circle of friends. He leaves a lasting impact on the many lives he touched, and will forever be remembered and missed.
In addition to his wife, Mary, he leaves his children, Donald and his wife, Karen of Haddam, Francis, Jr of Plainville and Lisa Membrino of Bristol; his brothers, George, Kenny, Warren, and Martin, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Gene.
Funeral services in celebration of Frank's life will be held on Saturday at 9 a.m. from Bailey Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church. Committal services with Military Honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.
Family and friends may gather on Friday evening from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, Frank may be remembered with contributions to St. Joseph School, 335 Center St., Bristol, CT 06010.
Hartford Courant article on Chief Roche,
His youthful days as a winning professional boxer shaped Francis Roche into the strict and fair man he was during his 37 years as a town police officer, and eventually police chief from 1975 to 1995.
Roche, who died Tuesday at age 82, was recalled as a strong leader and a no-nonsense guy with strong senses of honor, humor and compassion.
Charles "Chick" Smedick,, a recently retired officer whose first 13 years on the force came when Roche was chief, said Thursday that Roche was "a great guy, a good boss. Strict, but fair. He was well respected by chiefs throughout the state."
Roche, who moved to Plainville after serving in Korea, was proud of his early career as a boxer. He competed in the Bristol Arena, in his hometown, and hung photographs in his office showing him as a young boxer, Smedick said.
Earle Jackson Sr. a neighbor of Roche, said in a note that he and other boys in the neighborhood respected Roche, who taught younger boys boxing in a homemade ring in his backyard.
"Have to admit that it took the wind from my chest when I first read [of Roche's death] because Frank was bigger than life to me as a 12 year old kid from the neighborhood," Jackson wrote. "Frank taught me how to box in the ring that I watched him build behind his house on Washington Street. The youth of my time in Plainville had great respect and love for Frank Roche, and many of us stayed on the right path because of him."
Capt. Brian Mullins, second in command in the Plainville Police Department, joined the force in 1978 when Roche was chief. He said Roche was a good leader, setting standards by example.
"He was strict but never rude or a bully. He did not want officers to act like doormats, but he was very clear on letting us know he expected us to treat the public well," Mullins said. " His view was the police work was not just a job, but was special. You served the public."
Matthew Catania, the current chief of the department, said he never met Roche but has heard only good things about him. Catania said the high standards Roche set still guide the department, often because the views are reflected in departmental policy written by Roche.
"From what I gather, he was very strong minded and had a very strong work ethic, which he expected the officers to embrace," said Catania, who was a career officer in Simsbury when he was hired in 2010 to lead the Plainville force. "I sensed this for example in our sick time policies which he wrote. It is very clear he expected people not to abuse sick time but do their job."
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